Allusion

The doctor's marionette show functions as a satirical allusion for the political difficulties between Germany and Austria. Satire is the use of humor, wit, or ridicule to criticize human nature and societal institutions; the indirect satire employed by the doctor in the puppet show relies upon the ridiculous behavior of its characters to make its point.

In the doctor's puppet show, the clown—called the "Chancellor"—represents Austrian leader Engelbert Dollfuss, while the grasshopper, or "The Leader," represents German leader Adolf Hitler. The grasshopper, "a great, gleaming beauty," is clearly the superior creature with its elegant dance and powerful voice. The grasshopper is also charismatic and has the power to reach the common people. As such, the doctor presents an accurate portrayal of Hitler, who was able to convince the majority of Germans to give him and his programs their allegiance.